About Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC

When you're thinking of buying a new car in India, there's a lot on your mind, right? You're probably balancing your budget, prioritizing safety for your family, wondering about monthly maintenance costs, and of course, wanting all the latest features. Then there's the trust factor – how good is the company's service? It's a big decision. Today, we're going to take a close look at a car that aims to tick all these boxes and more, especially if you're stepping into the luxury compact SUV segment: the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC. This premium SUV promises style, performance, and the famous Mercedes-Benz experience. Let's dive in and see if it's the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC is its refined diesel engine.

• Engine Type: 2.0-litre (1950cc) inline 4-cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
• Max Power: Approximately 190 hp (140 kW) at 3800 rpm
• Max Torque: Approximately 400 Nm at 1600-2600 rpm
• Transmission: 8G-DCT (8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic)
• Drivetrain: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system, offering enhanced traction and stability.
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Around 7.3 seconds (Claimed)

Design Overview

The GLA 220d 4MATIC blends the agility of a compact car with the robust presence of an SUV.

Exterior:

• SUV Stance: Higher ride height and muscular wheel arches give it a commanding look.
• Signature Grille: The classic Mercedes-Benz diamond grille with the large star takes centre stage.

Sleek Lighting: Comes with attractive LED High-Performance headlamps and LED tail lamps, ensuring excellent visibility and a modern signature.Stylish Wheels: Sporty alloy wheels complement its dynamic character.Chrome Elements: Subtle chrome accents add to its premium appeal.

Interior:

• Luxurious Feel: High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and precision craftsmanship are evident throughout the cabin.
• Modern Layout: The dashboard features a clean, horizontal design.
• Comfortable Seating: Ergonomically designed seats offer good support, perfect for long drives.
• Ambient Lighting: Multi-colour ambient lighting system enhances the cabin's mood and luxury appeal.
• Spaciousness: Surprisingly roomy for a compact SUV, offering good head and legroom for front and rear passengers.

Key Features

The GLA 220d 4MATIC is packed with technology and comfort features designed to enhance your driving experience.

• MBUX Infotainment System: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with voice control ("Hey Mercedes").
• Dual 10.25-inch Screens: A widescreen cockpit featuring two integrated 10.25-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment.
• Panoramic Sunroof: A large panoramic sliding sunroof allows natural light and an airy feel.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with Mercedes Me connect services for remote functions and vehicle tracking.
• 360-degree Camera: Provides a bird's-eye view for easier parking and manoeuvring in tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.
• THERMOTRONIC Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort.
• Power Seats with Memory Function: Electrically adjustable front seats with memory settings.
• Hands-free Tailgate: Easy-access tailgate with kick sensor.

What is the Ground Clearance of Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC offers a comfortable ground clearance of approximately 183 mm. This is quite practical for navigating varied Indian road conditions and speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC?

The GLA 220d 4MATIC provides a generous boot space of approximately 425 litres. This is ample for weekend getaways or daily shopping needs. With the rear seats folded down, it expands significantly for larger items.

What are the Dimensions of Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC?

• Length: Approximately 4410 mm
• Width: Approximately 1834 mm (without mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1611 mm

Powertrain Options

While our focus is on the GLA 220d 4MATIC, it's worth noting that Mercedes-Benz also offers other powertrain options for the GLA in India:

• GLA 200: A 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine.
• GLA 220d: A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with front-wheel drive (FWD), offering a slightly different drive experience than the 4MATIC.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the GLA 220d 4MATIC is no exception, loaded with advanced safety technologies.

• Airbags: 7 airbags (front, knee, side, and window airbags)
• Active Brake Assist: Helps prevent collisions by warning the driver and initiating braking if necessary.
• ATTENTION ASSIST: Detects driver drowsiness and suggests a break.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances vehicle stability and control.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD: For effective braking performance.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Warns about low tyre pressure.
• PARKTRONIC with Parking Assist: Aids in automated parking manoeuvres.
• Hill-Start Assist: Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings provide an independent assessment of a vehicle's crashworthiness.

Rating Agency	Model	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Safety Assist Features	Overall Rating
Euro NCAP	Mercedes-Benz GLA (2019)	96%	90%	75%	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Not yet tested for this specific model	Not yet tested for this specific model	Not yet tested for this specific model	N/A

Note: The Euro NCAP rating is for the current generation GLA and applies to the overall structure and safety systems. Bharat NCAP is a newer initiative, and not all premium models have been tested yet.

Rivals of Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC

In the competitive luxury compact SUV segment in India, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

• BMW X1
• Audi Q3
• Volvo XC40
• Mini Countryman

"How is the Car?" (Pros & Cons)

Let's look at the balanced picture to help you make an informed decision about the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC.

Pros (Advantages):

• Premium Brand Image: The three-pointed star commands respect and offers a strong luxury appeal.
• Refined Diesel Engine: The 220d engine offers a great balance of power, torque, and efficiency, coupled with smooth 8G-DCT transmission.
• 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Provides superior traction and confidence, especially on challenging roads or in varying weather.
• Luxurious and Feature-Rich Interior: High-quality cabin, dual screens, MBUX, panoramic sunroof, and excellent comfort features.
• High Safety Standards: Comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Handles bumps well, offering a composed and comfortable ride.
• Practicality: Decent ground clearance and good boot space for its segment.

Cons (Disadvantages):

• Premium Pricing: Being a Mercedes-Benz, it comes with a significant price tag, which might be a barrier for some buyers.
• Running Costs: Maintenance and spare parts can be on the higher side compared to non-luxury brands.
• Rear Seat Space: While good for its class, it might feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys compared to larger SUVs.
• Firm Ride at Low Speeds: Some might find the suspension a bit firm over very sharp potholes at low speeds, typical of European cars.
• Road Noise: While generally refined, some road noise can creep into the cabin at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC truly stands out as a compelling choice in the premium compact SUV segment for Indian buyers. It offers a fantastic blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, a powerful and efficient diesel engine with the added confidence of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a cabin loaded with cutting-edge technology and comfort. While it comes with a premium price and associated running costs, what you get in return is a sophisticated, safe, and immensely desirable vehicle.

If you're looking for a luxury SUV that's easy to drive in the city, capable on highways, offers good ground clearance for our roads, and wraps you in comfort and safety, the GLA 220d 4MATIC should definitely be on your shortlist. It's more than just a car; it's a statement, and a very practical one at that, offering peace of mind with Mercedes-Benz's renowned service network. So, take a test drive and experience the GLA for yourself – it might just be the perfect luxury compact SUV you've been searching for!